Chase graduates A school Friday, July 25 so of course I am headed back to Charleston. Short solo trip as he gets to come home after graduation. He said he would prefer us to take time off when he is home so that is what Kurt is doing.
Flew out to Sioux Falls on Wednesday night, left early to give myself a little buffer in case there were any flight issues. Thankfully I did!!! Knew it was a tight layover in Chicago but unfortunately that was the only option that worked so went for it. Flight out of Sioux Falls was delayed... I understand to a point, but the frustrating part is they will never come out and say delayed and give you an estimate of how long. Five minutes before our scheduled departure they were showing on time and our plane wasn't even at the gate... Anyways, get to Chicago and missed my connection. They had booked me for a flight the next morning through Charlotte. They made me gate check my bag in Sioux Falls so long night in the Chicago airport with no bag. On my redeye flight from Portland I learned I cannot sleep on a plane. On my overnight in Chicago O'Hare I learned I cannot sleep on the floor of an airport... Just when you would doze off the vacuum would come around (twice). or the floor waxer, or people... Around 3:00 I just started pacing the halls of the airport as I couldn't sit or lay on the floor anymore. If this ever happens again I am going to bite the bullet and get a hotel!
I figured I deserved some ice cream in Chicago. Although I had to eat it with a fork as they were out of spoons.
Attempting to sleep on the floor in Chicago...
You know it's been a long night when you are looking forward to getting into your comfortable airplane seat! Also shows how tired I was as I did actually doze off and on. There was a bit of turbulence so never for long. I can now say that I have been to North Carolina though. Coming in to Charlotte was pretty with the mountains. From the plane you could see the fog settling in the valleys. Was a very cool site.
Once I arrived in Charleston everything went smooth. I was a little worried about my bag showing up but it was there. Got my Kia Soul from Emerald Aisle and on the road to the hotel. Front desk at the hotel said they were waiting for me when I got there and had my keys all ready to go. They told me to have a good nap and thank my son for his service (I tend to overshare my son is in the Navy...).
Had a great three hour nap. I didn't want to sleep too long and risk not sleeping tonight.
Chase texted just as I was getting up that he had been released for the day so took a shower (another thing I was very much looking forward after a night on the floor!) and headed out to pick him up. Such a great feeling to see him walking across base to the car!!!
Went to the NEX (Navy exchange) as I wanted a sweatshirt. I like to have one to take into restaurants as they tend to be cold and I hate eating when I am cold. I only brought one along as it is so warm here but after wearing it on the floor in the airport (had to get that in one more time) I really didn't want to put that back on!
Headed for Montana's, a steakhouse not too far from base, for supper. It POURED on the way there so glad that we didn't have far to travel. The food was amazing! I had a steak, I think the best I have had although I don't usually get steaks at the restaurant, loaded mashed potatoes, and a salad. Chase had the county fried steak, fries, and mac n' cheese. He said his was really good too.
Brought Chase back to base with a quick stop at the bigger NEX store. We thought they might have different Navy shirts but they actually didn't really have any.
Chase had things to get done before graduation and I still a bit tired so he headed to his room and I went back to the hotel. Got to the hotel just in time for happy hour. There was quite a line and by the time I ordered it was closing up. She asked me how many I wanted so I said I would like two if that was okay. She said I could have three actually. So loaded up on my free beverages and headed back to the room.
Can't turn down free beer!
Made some phone calls, did my blog for the night, and watched some TV. Time for bed! Long yucky travel day but so worth it to see the kid! Can't wait for tomorrow!
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